NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 20 July 2007
Note: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically and is the source for information regarding processing activities associated with the vehicles and payloads. If you are a member of the media and would like further information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/index.html
Mission: STS-118 – 22nd International Space Station Flight – S5 Truss Segment
Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105)
Location: Launch Pad 39A
Launch Date: Targeted for Aug. 7, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Kelly, Hobaugh, Williams, Morgan, Mastracchio, Caldwell and Drew Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
At Launch Pad 39A, preparations continue for the launch of Endeavour on STS-118.
The orbiter’s payload was installed on July 15. The helium signature test, which checks for leaks in the main propulsion system, is complete. Technicians continue checking out the shuttle systems after finishing the external tank and solid rocket booster camera tests. Work is under way to prepare for the loading of hypergolic propellants, which will begin July 23. These propellants will power the solid rocket booster hydraulic power units and Endeavour’s orbital maneuvering system, forward reaction control system and auxiliary power units.
Workers continue filling the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen storage tanks at the pad. This fuel will be transferred to the external fuel tank shortly before launch. Mating of the orbiter midbody umbilical unit, the connection point that allows for servicing of the orbiter’s fuel cells, will be completed today.
The STS-118 crew traveled to Kennedy Space Center this week to participate in the terminal countdown demonstration test, which includes a countdown dress rehearsal, emergency egress training and a checkout of the crew cabin configuration.
Mission: STS-120 – 23rd International Space Station Flight – U.S. Node 2
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
Launch Date: Targeted for Oct. 20, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Melroy, Zamka, Parazynski, Wheelock, Wilson, Nespoli and Tani
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 3, Discovery’s main engines No. 1 and 2 have been installed, as have the heat shields for those engines. Engine cutoff sensor system and payload premate testing are complete. Rigging of the latching mechanism for the orbiter boom sensor system is complete and the system has been installed for flight.
Stacking of the STS-120 solid rocket boosters in the Vehicle Assembly Building began this week, with the left aft booster and left aft center segments delivered and mated to the mobile launch platform.
Mission: STS-122 – 24th International Space Station Flight – Columbus Laboratory Module
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1
Launch Date: Targeted for Dec. 6, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Frick, Poindexter, Schlegel, Eyharts, Love, Melvin and Walheim
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 1, the orbiter’s dome heat shields and main engines have been removed. The checkout of the forward reaction control system is complete. Windows No. 5 and 6 were removed and replaced. The orbiter boom sensor system has been removed and inspected, with reinstallation set for next week.
